In order to monitor deaths associated with influenza, the Vermont Department of Health suggests the following procedures for physicians faced with influenza-associated fatalities. For now, we also recommended that all deaths in otherwise healthy young patients, with or without a laboratory confirmation of 2009 H1N1 influenza, be reported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner 1-888-552-2952.

This recommendation may change as we become more familiar with the disease.

Death Certification: Deaths related solely to influenza should be certified as such, with a designation as to confirmed by laboratory or suspected by clinical history and/or circumstances. Examples:

Otherwise healthy person, presents with influenza-like illness and has laboratory confirmation of influenza, who subsequently dies:

Patient with a chronic underlying condition (such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, emphysema, cancer, etc.) who may be more susceptible to dying as a result of being infected with influenza, presents with influenza-like illness and has laboratory confirmation of influenza, who subsequently dies:

Cause of death: Influenza (confirmed)Contributory causes of death (Part II on the death certificate) List all underlying diseases.

Patient with a chronic underlying condition (such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, emphysema, cancer etc.) who may be more susceptible to dying as a result of being infected with influenza, presents with influenza-like illness and has NO laboratory confirmation of Influenza, who subsequently dies:

Cause of death: Influenza (presumed)
Contributory causes of death: (Part II on the death certificate)
List all underlying diseases.